tural disposition.-On an inclination to censure what
the censurers themselves perform. Whether or
not anger be hurtful to the health. — A good temper
is adapted for all conditions of life. The folly and
inutility of anger. On a querulous disposition. -
Instances in which anger may be allowed.-Methods
for checking unreasonable anger

—

Page 73

CHAP. XII.

ON CONTENTMENT AND DISSATISFACTION.

The advantage of contentment. - Contentment arises

from the mind rather than from circumstances.—

Instances of much wealth and dissatisfaction, and of

little wealth and contentment. Contentment is a

balm for the ills of life. - Various conditions in

which contentment may naturally arise. The cause

of dissatisfaction. The evils arising from it.-A

dissatisfied person will never want a pretence for his

conduct. — On gloominess and melancholy

-

-

-

---

-

89

CHAP. XIII.

ON HUMILITY AND PRIDE.

-

The nature of humility and pride. — Humility is uni-
versally admired. Extravagant dress and sloven-
liness. Pride sometimes connected with plain ap-
parel. - Honours and dignity. Respect and homage
in various countries. Affected humility. · The
duty of the poor, as well as of the rich, to cherish
humility. Humility does not imply ignorance of
rank, wealth, or ability. - Power should be wielded

-

-

-

with a gentle hand.—The difference between pride
and conceit. The nature and effects of ambition.·
The unhappiness of some eminent persons.
of science. Religious pride

CHAP. XIV.

ON MODESTY AND BOLDNESS.

The nature of modesty and boldness.

-

-

Pride

Page 106

The loveliness

of modesty. Affected modesty.-Vulgar and modest
language. Modest dress. Singular notions of
modesty. — Diffidence and timidity. — Modesty in
public men. The influence of habit in removing
Fear of censure. - Sensibility. — Female
Insensibility and insanity

timidity.

modesty.

-

126

-

-

CHAP. XV.

ON RETIREMENT AND A PUBLIC LIFE.

-

Disappointments relating to retirement and public life.

Man a social being. The effect of solitariness.

Occasional or unavoidable seclusion. — Monaste-

ries, &c. The solitude occasioned by literary pur-

suits. Eminent men in retirement. - The beauty

of rural scenery.

Solitude is sometimes beneficial.

for an equivalent. — The obligation of all men to

cherish gratitude to God and their fellow creatures.

-Favours intentionally and unintentionally granted.

Gratitude in a married state. Pleasing examples

-

-

CHAP. XVII.

ON PRAISE AND BLAME.

-

The influence of praise and blame.-Instances of great

actions for the attainment of fame. A due regard

to reputation praiseworthy.-Posthumous fame.

On censure. On scandal.-Cases in which censure

is allowable. Backbiting and treachery. The im-

perfection of men. The nature and influence of

satire. A little susceptibility of praise and blame

allowable.- Censure of public characters. Delicacy

and bluntness of speech. Anonymous letters. -

Flattery

--

-

----

162

CHAP. XVIII.

-

ON HOPE AND DESPAIR.

-

Definition of hope.-The influence of hope in youth and
manhood. Hope occasions great enterprises.
Hope supports a man in bearing the ills of life.
The influence of hope with regard to a future state.
Foolish speculations. A calm and steady prospect
The ignorance of the future
Disappointment. - De-
Instances of despair. - A
Some examples of the

of approaching evils.
a source of happiness.
spondency and despair. -
man is seldom hopeless.

-

Self-love.-

Sexual love.

On the gradual

-

and sudden production of love. — Repulsiveness and

carelessness among lovers. Excessive love. Me-

thods among the ancients for checking love. Dis-

appointment in love. Dislike and hatred Page 204

-

CHAP. XX.

ON MATRIMONY AND CELIBACY.

-

The prevalence of marriage. - Encouragement to mar-

riage. On polygamy.

The proper period for

marriage. Customs of marriage in various countries.

-

- The pleasing influence of love..- Matrimonial

connections not pre-ordained of Heaven. — The un-

happiness arising from injudicious marriages.-East-

ern marriages splendid. The difference between

men and women in mental ability. The virtues of the

female sex. Absurd prejudices against women. —

The nature of true and happy marriage.—The affec-

tion of wives for husbands. The disadvantages

arising from marriage. - Divorce. - Jealousy.-Im-

proper accomplishments brought into marriage. - A

succession of husbands or wives. Circumstances in

which marriage is better, and others in which celibacy

is better. Eminent persons unmarried. All con-

ditions of life unsatisfactory, except the mind be pro-

perly disposed

-

-

221

PART VI.

CHAP. I.

THE NATURE OF LIBERTY AND SLAVERY.

The nature of good government.

archies, republics, &c. - The right of subjects to a
share in legislation. Changes necessary in a state.
-The connection of religion with civil government.
All laws should have reference to human happiness.
The variation of rank among the clergy. The
same persons ought not to hold religious and civil
offices. The corruption of civil institutions. —
Tyranny. Slavery. - Instances of cruelty to slaves.
The manner in which West India slaves should be
emancipated

-

Page 251

CHAP. II.

ON WAR AND PEACE.

-

-

Delusion with regard to war. The law of nations.

Great warriors generally great scourges to mankind.

Defensive war. - The enchantments of war.

-

-

The unhappy end of warriors.